“I just wanted to be the healthiest and fittest version of myself for my kids and my family. I didn’t want to be the schlubby Dad at the school event..” Todd

We are thrilled to commemorate some remarkable achievements by our clients. We want to kick off 2024 with Todd’s inspiring fitness journey. We invite you to join us in an interview with Todd and delve into the victories he has achieved along his fitness journey while balancing a demanding career as a creative art director.

Beginning the Journey

Todd, can you describe your fitness and health state when you first started? What prompted you to embark on this journey?

A pause in my career in 2018 allowed me to discover CrossFit, bringing about impressive gains and newfound physical abilities by my 40th birthday.

Yet, the return to work, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic, led to a setback. Concerned about regaining weight and losing strength, I sought a solution. DEFCON, recommended by my CrossFit coaches, provided a supportive community. Recognizing the need for nutritional guidance, I turned to Vaz at DEFCON to address my ongoing struggle with food. While a work in progress, I am committed to learning and understanding the nuances of a healthy relationship with food.

Goals and Vision

What specific goals did you set for yourself when you began? How do you visualize your ideal state at the end of this journey?

Once I got close to 40 I just wanted to be the healthiest and fittest version of myself for my kids and my family. I didn’t want to be the schlubby Dad at the school event, or the stereotypical American when traveling. Once I saw what specialized intense training could do, I wanted to be really strong and able to do all of the things I could never do before training.

Initial Challenges

What were some of the initial challenges or hurdles you faced when you started? How did you overcome them?

Embarking on this challenging fitness journey demanded self-conviction and the humility to entrust myself to DEFCON Athletics' coaches. Mastering body awareness, embracing vulnerability, and understanding the symbiosis of physical and nutritional aspects were crucial. Vaz's guidance on nutrition was a determining factor in my success. Despite initial and ongoing challenges, the transformative power of commitment and DEFCON Athletics' dedicated coaches remains evident.

Achievements So Far

In the time since you've started, what accomplishments or milestones have you achieved that you're particularly proud of?

I started training at DEFCON athletics this year. Training in a hyper-focused environment at DEFCON, I'm experiencing tangible and consistent strength gains every day. This year, I've shed nearly 20+ pounds through a balanced diet and dedicated training. What sets DEFCON apart is the synergy between focused workouts and a comprehensive understanding of the process. With each training session, I not only feel capable and empowered but also connected to my overall fitness journey through mindful nutrition. DEFCON has been instrumental in revitalizing my fitness journey with a heightened level of knowledge and effectiveness.

Physical Changes

How have your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level changed over the past few months?

I've gained significant strength, and monitoring body fat and muscle mass highlights the effort in my journey. Improved cardiovascular endurance is evident, with better times in METCONs. Tracking consistent workouts allows for self-competition over time. Recently, I've reclaimed clothes from my closet that were stashed away when they didn't fit.

Diet and Nutrition

How have your eating habits evolved since you began? Are there any particular dietary changes that you found especially beneficial?

My evolving relationship with food, especially in managing emotional aspects, requires ongoing accountability. Balancing indulgence with healthy eating is a lifelong journey, and I feel that I have improved in my navigation skills. I meticulously track food and macros using a dedicated scale. Coach Vaz has underscored the significance of not just hitting macros but selecting the right sources, guarding against hidden fats and sugars. Approaching this as a beginner, the process of re-learning why and how I eat in relation to fitness goals has been both rewarding and occasionally challenging.

Mental and Emotional Growth

Apart from physical changes, have you noticed any shifts in your mental well-being, confidence, or overall attitude towards life?

Dealing with lifelong anxiety, I find immense relief and control in my fitness journey. Consistent, intense morning workouts at the gym serve as a powerful reset, flushing out daily stressors. This routine not only helps me manage anxiety but also fills me with pride, realizing the progress I've made compared to 20 years ago.

Support System

Who or what has been your biggest source of support and motivation throughout this journey?

My family, especially my supportive wife and kids, acknowledges and praises my achievements, understanding my dedication to long-term health.

Coach Vaz and DEFCON's staff play a pivotal role in my motivation, with bi-weekly 1:1 nutrition sessions, daily workout feedback, and continuous support. Nightly check-ins with Vaz involve reviewing the day's food, making adjustments on the fly, and receiving motivational texts that reinforce our shared goals. This sense of teamwork makes me feel supported and motivated, ensuring I'm not navigating this journey alone.

DEFCON Athletics Experience

How has your experience with DEFCON Athletics contributed to your progress? Are there specific workouts, coaches, or elements of the program that you found particularly beneficial?

DEFCON is an exceptional place where a strong connection is easily forged. Coach Vaz and the coaches are genuinely invested in my goals, understanding how to motivate me and address potential training issues. The programming strikes a proper balance between strength training and conditioning, avoiding unnecessary overload. They consider injuries and health concerns for all members, providing guidance on scaling workouts. Weekly interactions with Coaches Vaz, Christian, and Manifa foster a team mentality, keeping me accountable. Personally, I enjoy workouts featuring running, fulfilling a childhood desire to excel in running combined with strength training.” Todd

“Well done Todd!” (coach Vaz)